What Are Athletic Mouth Guards?
Playing sports is a healthy and important aspect in the lives of many patients, from young children to older adults. While it is fun to engage in physical activity, it is also important to protect the health of your smile when you do so. Our team of dentists at Made Ya Smile Dental recommends wearing an athletic mouth guard when playing sports, whether it is a contact or non-contact activity. Sports, like basketball, football, boxing, wrestling, baseball, and hockey, all increase the risk of injury or trauma to your teeth, gums, and jawbone. Even weight lifting and jogging can increase strain on your bite and jaw joints. Custom mouth guards are made to fit your mouth comfortably and effectively minimize the risk of injury to your smile. If you and your family love to play sports, contact our Houston, TX family dental practice today for a personalized mouth guard consultation.
What Are the Benefits of Mouth Guards?
Mouth guards have a pivotal role in protecting a patient's oral health during the course of high-intensity activities and sports. Some of the primary benefits of mouth guards include:
- Shielding the mouth from possible hurt
- Working to prevent oral soft tissue harm
- Diminishing the threat of jaw injuries
- Minimizing the odds of a concussion
- May help athletic skill by enabling easier breathing and communication
- Made to establish a good fit
Who Is a Candidate for Athletic Mouth Guards?
Custom athletic mouth guards can significantly decrease the risk of oral injury, especially in sports where physical contact is frequently made. Mouth guards are designed to fit comfortably in the mouth between the upper and lower arches and effectively cover the teeth and gums. These appliances are made of high-quality materials and are often longer-lasting than the boil-and-bite varieties found at sporting goods stores.
If you or your child wears braces or has fillings, veneers, crowns, or other restorations, a mouth guard can be extremely beneficial in both minimizing harm to the teeth and tissues while also protecting the integrity of your dental restorations. Blunt force trauma to the face during sports can cause serious damage to your smile if left unprotected. Custom mouth protectors for sports are created for each individual patient for a secure and comfortable fit. These appliances are helpful when playing any type of sport in which passive or active injury to the mouth could occur, such as football, martial arts, wrestling, lacrosse, hockey, basketball, baseball, boxing, track and field, weight lifting, and even yoga.
Mouth Guards Reviews
How Are Sports Mouth Guards Made?
During your mouth guard consultation, our dentists will evaluate your teeth and jaw and determine the best type of guard for your needs. We will then take impressions of your upper and lower arches and make models of your mouth, which our lab will use to create your custom mouth guard. Made of durable and top-quality materials, your custom mouth guard can be personalized in a color of your choice. Once your guard has been fabricated and arrives back in our office, we will schedule you to come back to try it for a comfortable fit. We will also provide instructions on how to store, clean, and maintain your custom athletic guard.
How Can I Care for My Mouth Guard Appliance?
Wearing your mouth guard whenever you engage in sports is important to protect the health and appearance of your smile. We see many oral injuries that occur to the teeth and gums when mouth guards are not worn. Our team encourages you to wear it anytime your teeth and gums need protection or are at risk of being harmed. With proper care, your mouth guard can last for many years. Cleaning it after each use and storing it properly will help ensure it is there to protect your smile when you need it. Please bring your mouth guard to your routine cleaning and dental exam visits so that our dentists can continually check its fit and condition. If a new guard is needed, or if your child has outgrown the guard they have been using, we can take impressions for creating a new appliance.
Are Mouth Guards Covered by Insurance?
Our dentists will review your mouth guard options during your initial consultation. In some cases, dental insurance may provide coverage. Our team will contact your provider to review your benefits. However, if you are not using insurance or paying out-of-pocket for your mouth guard, we are happy to discuss our convenient payment methods. Made Ya Smile Dental also accepts third-party financing through low-interest CareCredit® plans.
Mouth Guards FAQ
What kinds of injuries can an athletic mouth guard protect against?
Mouth guards are designed to protect the tongue, teeth, and other soft tissues in your mouth from harm. In most cases, athletic mouth guards are recommended to protect against breaking, chipping, or losing teeth during contact sports.
How long do athletic mouth guards last?
Adult mouth guards can typically last for several years. Children, however, will need to replace their custom mouth guard more frequently to ensure an optimal fit. The Made Ya Smile team recommends having the fit and condition of your mouth guard evaluated every six months during your regular dental visits.
Are custom athletic mouth guards better than store-bought boil and bite guards?
Though boil and bite guards are quick and convenient, a custom athletic guard will fit better and is made from higher-quality materials. A custom mouth guard is often recommended by dental professionals for the most comfortable protection.
Custom Mouth Guards for Sports
Give your smile the protection it needs when engaging in contact or non-contact sports. Custom mouth guards let you focus on the fun while minimizing the risk of injury to your teeth and gums. To learn more about custom mouth guards or to schedule your consultation visit, contact our friendly team at Made Ya Smile Dental in Houston, TX today.